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MAY/JUNE 2009

Refrigeration Maintenance Tips

Open Freestyle Q&A

Steps to a Drug-FreeWorkplace

Refrigeration Maintenance Tips

Open Freestyle Q&A

Steps to a Drug-FreeWorkplace

SharkS Iceat San JoseSharkS Iceat San Jose

8 0 0 3 6 1 3 7 4 7 m o n d o @ m o n d o u s a . c o m w w w . m o n d o u s a . c o m

Where the Games come to play

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CertifiedISO 14001

Ann.ISI Mai09 26/03/2009 13:45 Page 1

PUblishErIce Skating Institute

EditorLori Fairchild

EditoriAl AdvisorsPeter MartellSean Flynn

Randy Winship

PriNt ProdUctioN &AdvErtisiNg/sPoNsorshiP

MANAgErCarol Jackson

grAPhic dEsigNErLogan McCoy

coNtribUtorsLisa Fedick

Dianne PowellArt Sutherland

U.S. Department of Labor

The ISI EDGE (USPS 017-078, ISSN 1522-4651) is published bimonth-ly; January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October, November/December; by the Ice Skating Institute, 6000 Custer Road, Build-ing 9, Plano, TX 75023. Annual Subscription Rate is $24.00 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Plano, TX, and at additional mail-ing offices.

POSTMASTER NOTE: Send ad-dress changes to ISI EDGE, c/o The Ice Skating Institute, 6000 Custer Road, Building 9, Plano, TX 75023. Printed in the U.S.A.

Subscriptions available through membership only.

©2009 by the Ice Skating Insti-tute. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by publish-er. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the Ice Skating Institute, the publisher or the advertis-ers. Submissions of manuscripts, materials, photographs, and art-work are made at mailer’s risk and must include self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for return. No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited mate-rials. ISI reserves the right to edit material submitted for content and space consideration.

Volume 11, Number 6 May/June 2009In This Issue

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

50 reasons to celebrate isi, Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

drug-Free Workplace Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

isi Fact or Fiction? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

coaches’ corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

isi Judge certification tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

isiA Education Foundation report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ice Arena Association reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

calendar ISI-Endorsed Competitions & Shows/Exhibitions . . . . . . . . . 34

classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

And Another thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

8

18ISI Profile: Michael Booker

20Arena Profile: Sharks Ice at San Jose

Annual Refrigeration Maintenance for Seasonal Rinks

ISI IndustryTrends Survey

On the cover: Sharks Ice at San Jose is the official training facility of the NHL's San Jose Sharks. Center Jeremy Roenick is pictured with a few of the facility's 1,000 youth players. Photography by Marjorie Taylor/Sharks Ice

ISI Industry Trends SurveyFirst Quarter 2009 vs . First Quarter 2008

Public skating Attendance

skating school Enrollment

skating school re-Enrollment

learn-to-Play hockey

Enrollment

Youth hockey league

Enrollment

Adult hockey league

Enrollment

Northwest Region AK, WA, ID, OR, MT, WY +9.91%+2.95%

+4.61%+1.11%

+1.62%+5.40%

Southwest Region HI, CA, NV, UT, AR, NM, CO +4.16%-4.47%

+7.07%+8.30%

+1.90%+12.38%

Central Region ND, SD, MN, IA, NE, KS, MO, OK, TX, AR +4.59%-0.81%

+5.91%+19.07%

-0.99%+3.71%

Midwest Region WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, KY -7.86%-13.36%

-6.80%-1.34%

+1.81%+0.96%

Southeast Region LA, MI, TN, AL, GA, FL, NC, SC,WV, VA, MD, DE +8.19%-1.58%

-3.03%+31.61% +10.15% +10.58%

Northeast Region NJ, PA, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME +1.72%-3.45%

+3.20%-0.17%

+1.54%+1.74%

National Average*+0 .60%

-1 .92%-1 .99%

+4 .06%+3 .33%

+3 .00%

*Based on average of total individual facility responses, not regional averages. Number of responses varies by region.

16

4 ISI EDGE MAY/JUNE 2009

AnnouncementsDedicated to providing leadership,

education and services to the ice skating industry.

Ice Skating Institute6000 Custer Road, Building 9

Plano, TX 75023Phone: (972) 735-8800

Fax: (972) 735-8815e-mail: [email protected]

www.skateisi.org

isi international headquartersExecutive director

Peter Martell

controllerKaren Schaffer

director of Management Programs & services

Sean Flynn

director of skating Programs & Events

Randy Winship

Membership coordinatorsKathy Chase

Angela Tooley

Print Production &Advertising/sponsorship Manager

Carol Jackson

senior AccountantStuart Sedransky

graphic designerLogan McCoy

information services coordinatorJeff Anderson

Administrative AssistantMary Ann Mangano

isi oFFicErsPresident Jim Hartnett1st Vice President Mike Paikin2nd Vice President Janice ForbesTreasurer Rob McBrideSecretary Margy BennettImmediate Past President Jim Lange

dirEctorsDistrict 1 Scott McCoyDistrict 2 Robyn BentleyDistrict 3 Lisa FedickDistrict 4 Christine Wilson BrintonDistrict 5 Larry LaBordeDistrict 6 Toni CooperDistrict 7 Jamie BaringerDistrict 8 Susan D’AquilaDistrict 9 Brigid LaMearDistrict 10 Char MartinDistrict 11 Liz MangelsdorfDistrict 12 Debbie LaneDistrict 13 Cindy JensenDistrict 14 Paige ScottDistrict 15 Bert BlanchetteDistrict 16 Cindy SolbergDistrict 18 Glyn JonesHockey Dan SmithBuilders & Suppliers Doug PetersInstructors David SanteeCommercial Facilities Kevin McCormack Schools, Colleges, Universities Glen DanischewskiPSA Representative Gerry LaneUSFSA Representative Homer HagedornISIAsia Representative Raul GomesAMMA Representative Trudy IvoryMIAMA Representative Dean MulsoMIRMA Representative Judy SniffenEducation Foundation Don BartelsonLifetime Honorary Member Carol Zdziebko

ISI announces expanded health benefitsPLANO, Texas — Effective March 1, ISI changed health insurance providers to T-Med, written by Zurich North America, one of the world’s largest and most respected insurance companies. The change allows ISI to offer Professional and Affiliate members expanded benefits at a greater value. Members now have the opportunity to choose a plan similar to the previous offering or a plan with significantly more benefits. Go to “Affiliated Partners” at skateisi.org to sign up through an easy online system.

Free OSHA training offered in 33 citiesFORT MEADE, Fla. — The Workplace Safety Awareness Council (WPSAC) has been awarded a federal grant to develop and deliver free training on OSHA’s new standards. The training is being offered in 33 cities nationwide through August. Space is limited and reservations are required. For class information, dates and locations, visit wpsac.org/free.html or call (866) 227-5953.

Athletica and Sport Systems Unlimited mergeWATERLOO, Ontario and MINNEAPOLIS — Waterloo, Ontario-based Sport Systems and Pre-mier Rinks (dba Athletica) of Minneapolis have reached an agreement to create a new company fully merging their operations. The merged company will be owned by Trevor Brodie, Adam Pender and Naegele Communications Inc. (Robert O. Naegele Jr.).

IALEI and IAAPA evaluate potential merger HERSHEY, Pa. and ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Officials from the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industry (IALEI) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) have signed a memorandum of understanding that could lead to a merger of the two organizations. The IAAPA board of directors and membership of IALEI will vote on a final proposal in May.

FMC Ice Sports welcomes new director of skatingPEMBROKE, Mass. — The skating department at FMC Ice Sports has recently come under the di-rection of Alane Swiderski, CAP, formerly the skating director for the Joliet Park District in Illinois. She will be responsible for the strategic planning and oversight of all skating programs for FMC.

Ice Station Valencia names co-directors VALENCIA, Calif. — Ice Station Valencia has announced the appointment of Michael E. Tamres and Peggy Lill Tamres as co-directors of the Skating Academy and its related programs. Ms. Tamres will also retain the position of head coach.

Zamboni Co. and ISI share milestone anniversary yearPARAMOUNT, Calif. and PLANO, Texas — This year marks an important milestone anniversary for both the Zamboni Co. and the Ice Skating Institute. While ISI turns 50 in 2009, the Zamboni Co. celebrates its 60th anniversary. ISI charter member and second president Frank Zamboni intro-duced the world’s first ice resurfacing machine in 1949, and its impact on ice sports has continued to grow since that time. The company builds four models in its Paramount, Calif. factory and three models in its Brantford, Ontario factory. The machines being built today by the Zamboni Co. are almost exclusively alternative fuel-powered, with 90 percent of the products leaving the Zamboni factories being either propane, natural gas or electric-powered.

Please send announcements to [email protected].

38 Based on a proven “building block” method of teaching skill progression, ISI’s learn-to-skate curriculum is both easy to implement and easy to follow.

39 ISI provides uniform class and competition standards at all levels — local, regional and national.

40 iAIM (Ice Arena Institute of Management) education and certification are available through a convenient online program as well as the classroom program.

41 ISI practices “participation, not elimination,” with test-ing and competition opportunities for skaters of all ages, levels and abilities.

42 ISI Professional members can earn four levels of judge cer-tification and three levels of weSKATE National Instructor Training certification.

43 Participation in the ISI skating program and events builds confidence, self-esteem and character.

44 ISI’s badge testing system rewards achievement, gener-ates enthusiasm and stimulates continued participation.

45 In addition to ISI EDGE and Recreational Ice Skating maga-zines, ISI eNews is distributed twice monthly via e-mail to Administrative, Professional and Builder/Supplier members.

46 Judging at ISI events is performed by experienced, trained professionals who use an easy-to-understand scoring sys-tem that discourages bias and manipulation.

47 ISI has partnerships with national and regional facility management professional and trade organizations.

48 All ISI Individual and Professional members have opportu-nities to participate in testing, competitions, shows and exhibitions.

49 Every skater receives a medal for participating in each event at all ISI national competitions.

50 ISI Conference & Trade Show attendees leave the event energized and enthusiastic, with new ideas and network-ing contacts.

26 ISI provides Professional members outstanding tools for conducting and maximizing their business, including the weSKATE learn-to-skate and instructor training programs.

27 The annual ISIA Education Foundation Benefit on Ice show held each year during ISI World Recreational Team Cham-pionships spotlights a national skating “star” as well as ISI competitors of all levels.

28 ISI annual conference attendees enjoy off-site tours of local facilities, such as the Zamboni factory, Xcel Energy Center and Riedell Skates headquarters.

29 ISI is the only national ice sport organization to offer prorated membership fees for the second half of the yearly member-ship term.

30 The ISI Trade Show offers the opportunity for vendors to make a single trip to a central location and reach a large group of prospective customers.

31 Participation in ISI’s national competitions gives skaters and their families the opportunity to travel to different areas of the country.

32 ISI offers free local management and instructor seminars in districts throughout the country.

33 ISI hockey membership provides affordable insurance coverage.

34 All ISI members receive Recreational Ice Skating magazine, a quarterly publication featuring skating and event infor-mation, news, profiles, a pen pal program, recognition and many photos.

35 ISI member facilities may sponsor or host profitable ISI skat-ing events and exhibitions.

36 ISI’s focus on affordable recreation rather than elite competi-tion appeals to the masses, increasing its viability even during challenging economic times.

37 ISI Administrative and Builder/Supplier members receive free listings in the annual membership directory and on the ISI Web site.

ReasonsPart 2

to Celebrate

Editor’s Note: the first 25 “reasons to celebrate isi” appeared in the last issue of the EDGE .



Seasonal ice rinks do not accumulate the refriger-ation equipment operating hours that year-round ice rinks do, but they still need maintenance on

a regular basis. The benefit of the off-season is that it affords you the opportunity to carry out maintenance procedures while the equipment is shut down and the pressure of maintaining your ice is behind you.

Brine and glycol maintenanceYou should take a brine or glycol sample and have it sent to a recognized lab to be analyzed. For the health of your chiller, it is extremely important to ensure that your rust inhibitors are kept at the correct level. The analysis will reveal a number of other important items, such as iron content, which is an early indicator of internal corrosion in your headers or chiller.

The freeze point should be verified for adequate protection. Generally, you would maintain your freeze point at -5 to -10 F, depending on your normal operating temperatures. You want your freeze point at least 10 percent lower than your lowest oper-ating temperature.

During the off-sea-son, continue to check your brine level. This is often forgotten about and can result in a failed chiller if it is allowed to drain out due to an un-noticed leak.

Example of clean brine versus rusty brine

Annual Refrigeration Maintenance for Seasonal Ice Rinks

Annual Refrigeration Maintenance for Seasonal Ice Rinks by Art sutherland

ISI Responds to Air Quality ReportIn a segment titled “Danger in the Air” on its April 14 E:60 program, ESPN reported on an air quality investigation at 34 ice rinks in 14 states.

As ISI members are aware, air quality in ice arenas is not a new issue, but has been the subject of discussion in our industry since the 1970s. As the industry’s trade association since 1959, the Ice Skating Institute has always taken a proactive approach to addressing this issue by educating its membership through articles, seminars, conference sessions and courses taught in the Ice Arena Institute of Management (iAIM) professional certification program. In addition, the Institute helped fund a Harvard/MIT study on ice rink ventilation in 2000.

As always, the ISI urges facilities to remain diligent in their operations practices, including regular resurfacer maintenance and ventilation code adherence. The Institute remains committed to providing the educational tools to help facility owners and operators maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for ice sports.

Related articles can be found in the archives section under publications on the ISI Web site at skateisi.org. For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the ISI headquarters at (972) 735-8800.

ISI EDGE MAY/JUNE 2009 9

Brine pump maintenanceStart a regular brine pump maintenance program. Grease the motor and pumps according to the manufacturer’s recommenda-

tions. On good-quality pumps, we recommend installing new seals and bearings every 15,000 hours of op-eration. Some pump models could require more frequent mainte-nance. Do not remove the pump and leave the chiller empty. Make sure the chiller is iso-lated and full.

The off-season is an ideal opportunity to do some housekeep-ing. Scrape any rust from the pumps and treat them with a rust conditioner and paint. Consider insulating your pump bodies. It saves a bit of energy, re-

duces equipment rusting and makes for a much nicer plant room appearance. Running the brine pumps for an hour per week will prevent crystallization of brine in the seal.

Inspect the brine pump drive insert to ensure that it is in good condition. Rubber filings on the floor beneath the insert are a sure sign that it is wearing out and the pump must be aligned.

Compressor maintenanceAlthough your compressors will not need to be overhauled every year, it is still important to make sure that they are maintained. If your compres-sor heads are water-cooled and you have hard water, you might need to de-scale the water-cooling circuit.

It is important to ensure that your compressor oil is always in good condition. On well-built Freon systems that have had no leaks, the oil will only have to be replaced every few years. On ammonia systems or Freon systems where more maintenance has been required, the oil should be replaced annually. Make sure that the oil sight glass is cleaned properly so the oil level is evi-dent (see photos on page 10).

Grease the compressor motors and check the compressor belts, and change them if needed.

SOFTWARE THAT KEEPS YOUR RINK IN CHECK

• Point-of-Sale Check-in/Admissions/Registration, Retail/Proshopwith Inventory Control, Concessions, Time Clock

• Scheduling Parties, Leagues, Surfaces, Employees

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INTEGRATED SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

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SOFTWARE MODULES:

insulated pumps

Pumps prior to insulation

badly scaled compressor heads


Condenser maintenanceAir-cooled condensers should have their coils inspected every year to ensure that there is no debris in the fins. The coil can be pressure-washed from the top down and brushed clean - but be careful not to bend the fins. Evaporative condensers are so effective because they utilize

the cooling effect of evaporating water, however, any mineral in the water is very often left behind as deposits on the coil, which impedes proper heat transfer. The coil should be inspected every summer for deposits. Check with the condenser manufacturer for an approved acid solution to remove the scaling. Large build-ups of scale can be loosened and knocked off from the top down with ¼-inch wide flat bar worked down between the tube bun-dle. In extreme cases the condenser will have to be dismantled to properly clean.

Check and replace belts as required. Grease and replace fan bearings as required. Consider installing automatic greasers on hard-to-access bearings. This will eliminate the need to get to the condenser in the middle of the operating season when you’re very busy and it is cold outside.

Check the condenser spray nozzles and clean them as required. Be sure to clean any scale out of your condenser water tank.

Proper off-season maintenance will make your start-ups go much more smoothly as well as prevent breakdowns and reduce operating expense during the regular season.

Brine isolation valve maintenanceThe brine isolation valves are never needed until maintenance is required or there is an emergency requiring component isola-tion. Unfortunately, if the valves are never used, they will seize in the open position. It is important to open and close them once a month while the plant is off during the regular season and once or twice during the off-season. The off-season will give you a chance to remove and replace any seized valves.

Art Sutherland is president of Accent Refrigeration Systems and can be reached at [email protected] or toll-free at (888) 423-6253.

Extreme condenser scaling

scale removed from condenser

dirty oil sight glass: No oil is visible

clean oil sight: oil is now visible


FMC Arenas Ad.indd 1 4/13/09 4:19:21 PM


W orkplace drug and alcohol abuse clearly compromises the safety of the workforce and the public by contributing to accidents and workplace injuries.

But when employees abuse alcohol and other drugs, many other aspects of a business’s operation, including its bottom line, bear the burden. Some costs — increased absences, accidents and errors — are obvious. Others, such as low morale and high illness rates, are less so, but the effects are equally harmful. The vast majority of drug users work, and when they arrive at work, they don’t leave their problems outside the door.

The good news is that employers have enormous power to protect their businesses from the impact of alcohol and drug abuse and improve the safety and health of their workplaces by implementing drug-free workplace programs. Many employers integrate drug-free workplace components into their overall safety programs and find it key to reducing on-the-job accidents and injuries.

A drug-free workplace program generally includes five com-ponents: a drug-free workplace policy, supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance and drug testing.

Although employers may choose not to include all five com-ponents, it is recommended that all be explored when developing a drug-free workplace program. Research shows that more com-ponents may lead to a more effective program.

Before considering the five components, employers should examine the needs of their workforce and organization and take steps to ensure the program they design will work well in their company. Because every business is unique, there is no one right way to establish a drug-free workplace program. Rather, each or-ganization’s program should match its specific needs. A careful assessment will determine which program elements are the most feasible and beneficial, as well as which may be unnecessary or unsuitable. Many companies find it helpful to ask for input from employees during this process.

A written drug-free workplace policy is the foundation of a drug-free workplace program. Every organization’s policy should be unique and tailored to meet its specific needs; however, all effec-tive policies have a few aspects in common, including:

Why the policy is being implemented. Rationale can be as

Policy

Steps to a drug-free workplace

Add Value to Businesses, Communities and Lives

Courtesy of U.S. Department of LaborWorkplace Programs

Drug-Free

• Behind-the-scenes tour, keynote address and breakout sessions

led by Disney Institute

• Figure skating keynote speaker Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie

• Special guest New Jersey Devils CEO Lou Lamoriello

• Poolside Education Foundation benefit featuring the Stanley Cup

• weSKATE Instructor Training included in conference registration

• 50th Anniversary celebration featuring President’s Reception,

dinner, awards and musical entertainment (972) 735-8800 www.skateisi.org

Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort

May 26–29

Cimco RefrigerationCT BenefitsFMC Ice SportsNorthwest DesignsRice Specialty RiskRinkGuard Insurance Program

Sponsored byCelebrate History, Charge Into the New Ice Age!


simple as a company being committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of its employees and patrons and recog-nizing that abuse of alcohol and other drugs compromises this dedication.

A clear description of prohibited behaviors. At a minimum, this should include the following statement: “The use, possession, transfer or sale of illegal drugs by employees is prohibited.”

An explanation of the consequences for violating the policy. These may include discipline up to and including termi-nation and/or referral for assistance. Consequences should be consistent with existing personnel policies and procedures and any applicable state laws.

Sharing all policies with all employees is essential for success; therefore, employers should be certain that all employees are aware of the policy and drug-free workplace program.

After developing a drug-free workplace policy, an organization should train those individuals closest to its workforce — supervi-sors. Training should ensure that supervisors understand:

• The drug-free workplace policy• Ways to recognize and deal with employees who have

performance problems that may be related to alcohol and other drugs

• How to refer employees to available assistanceIn relation to a drug-free workplace program, supervisors’ responsibilities should include monitoring employees’ perfor-mance, staying alert to and documenting performance problems,

and enforcing the policy. Supervisors should not, however, be expected to diagnose alcohol- and drug-related problems or provide counseling to employees who may have them.

Note: If supervisors are responsible for making referrals for drug testing based on reasonable suspicion, they also must be trained on how to make that determination.

A drug and alcohol education program provides employees with the information they need to fully understand, cooperate with and benefit from their company’s drug-free workplace program.Effective employee education programs provide company-spe-cific information, such as the details of the drug-free workplace policy, as well as generalized information about the nature of alcohol and drug addiction; its impact on work performance, health and personal life; and types of help available for individu-als with related problems.

All employees should participate, and the message should be delivered on an ongoing basis through a variety of means. Forums for employee education may include home mailings, workplace displays, brown-bag lunches, guest speakers, seminars and sessions at new-employee orientation.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are an effective vehicle for addressing poor workplace performance that may stem from an employee’s personal problems, including the abuse of alcohol or

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ART DIRECTOR:Bryan Collins ❑CREATIVE DIRECTOR:Bob Whibbs ❑COPYWRITER:James Hill ❑MAC ARTIST:Rosie D ❑ACCT. REP:Luis Simeoni ❑CLIENT:approved ❑approved with changes ❑anotherproof required ❑

Celebrating 30 Years

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Supervisor training

Employee education

Employee assistance

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other drugs.EAPs are an excellent benefit to employees and their families

and clearly demonstrate employers’ respect for their staff. They also offer an alternative to dismissal and minimize an employer’s legal vulnerability by demonstrating efforts to support employees.In addition to counseling and referrals, many EAPs offer other related services, such as supervisor training and employee educa-tion. At a minimum, businesses should maintain a resource file from which employees can access information about communi-ty-based resources, treatment programs and help lines.

Some employers decide to drug-test employees for a variety of reasons, such as deterring and detecting drug use, as well as pro-viding concrete evidence for intervention, referral to treatment and/or disciplinary action. Before deciding to conduct testing, employers should consider a few factors, including:

Who will be tested? Options may include all staff, job appli-cants and/or employees in safety-sensitive positions.

When will tests be conducted? Possibilities include pre-em-ployment, upon reasonable suspicion or for-cause, post-accident, randomly, periodically and post-rehabilitation.

Which drugs will be tested for? Options include testing ap-plicants and employees for illegal drugs and testing employees for a broader range of substances, including alcohol and certain prescription drugs.

How will tests be conducted? Different testing modes are available, and many states have laws that dictate which may and may not be used.

Employers also must be familiar with any local, state and federal laws or any collective bargaining agreements that may impact when, where and how testing is performed. It is strongly recommended that legal counsel be sought before starting any testing program.

Although not required by OSHA, drug-free workplace programs are natural complements to other initiatives that help ensure safe and healthful workplaces. But these programs do more than rid the workplace of alcohol and other drugs — they significantly contribute to the creation of alcohol- and drug-free families, schools and communities.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Working Partners for Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program offers a variety of tools and resources to help employers get started in safeguarding their business and playing a role in the campaign to prevent drug abuse nationwide.

All Working Partners tools and resources — including infor-mation about how to develop a drug-free workplace policy from start to finish and ready-to-use supervisor training and employee education materials — are available online at www.dol.gov/working partners.

Drug-Free Workplace tools and resources

Drug testing

School of Ice TechnologiesThe Fifth Annual

• Refrigeration theory and maintenance• HVAC and dehumidification• Energy management• Building conversions• Ice-making and installation• Resurfacer operation and maintenance• Dasher installation and maintenance

June 7-12

classroom sessions & Accommodations:Crowne Plaza HotelReservations: (973) 227-9200Group rate: $119 (includes breakfast)Cut-off date: May 18

Arena sessionsPrudential Center • Newark, N.J.Home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils

register online at www .iaam .org .For more information about the SIT program, visit www.skateisi.org.

The School of Ice Technologies is jointly hosted by the Interna-tional Association of Assembly Managers Inc. and the Ice Skat-ing Institute.

You’ll master key ice-making and maintenance skills and techniques at the 2009 School of Ice Technologies. Interactive workshops include:

Jet IceArid-Ice by CDIMSBecker Arena ProductsCimco RefrigerationFMC Ice SportsZamboni

Sponsored by:


FICTION! ISI’s tried and true learn-to-skate curriculum, now known as

weSKATE, has served millions of skaters since the 1960s, providing the

building blocks necessary for ice skating at all skill levels. While ISI pro-

motes “skating for the fun of it,” you’ll also find ISI participation in

the backgrounds of such competitive champions as Evan Lysacek, Mi-

rai Nagasu, Sasha Cohen, Michelle Kwan, Sarah Hughes, Emily Hughes,

Timothy Goebel and Dorothy Hamill, to name just a few.

ISI emphasizes the step-by-step progression of skills from the begin-

ner to advanced levels. Each level prepares the skater for skills needed

in higher levels, while adding variety by incorporating jumps, spins,

combinations, arabesques and dance step sequences in each level.

Likewise, ISI has always offered a wide variety of competition

events — not just Freestyle events. The purpose of each event is to mas-

ter a particular aspect of skating skills needed to be a great skater, i.e.,

Freestyle, Solo Compulsory and Jump & Spin events to develop technical

skill for jumps and spins; Artistic, Spotlight and Interpretive events to

enhance performance skills; Footwork events for agility and movement;

and Figures and Stroking events for edge control, balance and posture.

While some may view the ISI skating program as an alternative to

the U.S. Figure Skating program, it is actually the ideal complement and

feeder system for the elite competitive track.

ISI does not adequately prepare skaters for competitive figure skating.

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The Value of Trend ReportingThe Value of Trend ReportingISI introduces monthly industry survey

Knowing how your business is doing is a must for arena owners and managers. Tracking your income, expenses, attendance, enrollment and re-enrollment rates helps managers find out where their arenas are strong and

where they need some extra attention. But how do you know how your facility compares to the rest

of your region and the industry as a whole — how you “stack up” against your competition? In January, the Ice Skating Institute developed an industry trends survey to gather such informa-tion for our members. This new tool allows you to evaluate and compare your business statistics regionally and nationally on a monthly basis.

In its first three months, more than 100 facilities from across the country participated in the online survey, which requires only a few minutes to complete. It simply involves keying in your per-centage change from the same period last year in six categories (see chart on next page).

First-quarter numbers indicate that public skating is up slight-ly over the same period last year. This is encouraging, considering

the state of the national economy. Even though times are tough, families are making the choice to go out and have fun together. They may not be taking big vacations, but they are still walking in the doors of your facilities.

Skating school enrollment and re-enrollment numbers are down nearly 2 percent for the first quarter. But despite the small decrease, managers are optimistic that this trend will not contin-ue and that we will see an increase of business in the coming year.The popularity of hockey continues across the country. Numbers are up in all of our hockey categories, including learn-to-play, youth leagues and hockey leagues.

As the trade association serving the ice arena industry, ISI is committed to providing its members with the tools needed to benefit your business. Our goal with this survey is to share perti-nent industry information with you. As an ISI member, you have a voice in everything we do.

For more information on how to make your voice count by participating in our monthly survey, please contact me at [email protected].

As a general rule, the most successful man in lifeis the man who has the best information.

by sean Flynn, cAo, cAM, cAP

— Benjamin Disraeli”“

Oct. 2-4Olympic CenterLake Placid, N.Y.

Entry Deadline: Aug. 15

Dec. 4-6Fort Myers Skatium

Fort Myers, Fla.Entry Deadline: Oct. 15

July 27-Aug. 1Sharks Ice at San Jose

San Jose, Calif.Entry Deadline: May 1

2009 ISI NATIONAL SKATING EVENTS

Go to www.skateisi.org for entry forms and additional event details.


ISI Monthly Trends SurveyFirst Quarter 2009 vs .

First Quarter 2008Public skating

Attendanceskating school

Enrollmentskating school re-Enrollment

learn-to-Play hockey

Enrollment

Youth hockey league

Enrollment

Adult hockey league

Enrollment

Northwest Region AK, WA, ID, OR, MT, WY

+9.91% +2.95% +4.61% +1.11% +1.62% +5.40%

Southwest Region HI, CA, NV, UT, AR, NM, CO

+4.16% -4.47% +7.07% +8.30% +1.90% +12.38%

Central Region ND, SD, MN, IA, NE, KS, MO, OK, TX, AR

+4.59% -0.81% +5.91% +19.07% -0.99% +3.71%

Midwest Region WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, KY

-7.86% -13.36% -6.80% -1.34% +1.81% +0.96%

Southeast Region LA, MI, TN, AL, GA, FL, NC, SC,WV, VA, MD, DE

+8.19% -1.58% -3.03% +13.52% -6.39% +2.67

Northeast Region NJ, PA, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME

+1.72% -3.45% +3.20% -0.17% +1.54% +1.74%

National Average* +0 .60% -1 .92% -1 .99% +2 .18% +1 .61% +2 .72%

*Based on average of total individual facility responses, not regional averages. Number of responses varies by region.


When Michael Booker takes the stage as master of ceremonies at ISI’s 50th anniversary celebra-tion in Orlando, the six-time British men’s figure skating champion and three-term ISI president

will be bringing to the podium a rich history of stellar perfor-mances, from the ice to the boardroom.

Booker grew up in London, where he took up ice skating as an exer-cise regime with his father after World War II. At the end of his first semester of skating classes, the instruc-tor awarded private lessons to the best male skater. Booker won, and his illus-trious skating career was launched. He went on to become England’s youngest men’s champion, a title he won six times (1952-57). He captured gold in figures, free skating, dance and pairs, and took second place in the European Champion-ships, fifth in Worlds and sixth in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games.

Educated in the U.K., Switzerland and the U.S., Booker later served in the British Air Force. “After two years in the Air Force and six years competing in international competitions, working part-time and going to night school, I decided I needed a career and to earn a living,” he recalls. “I immigrated to Canada in 1958 with one suitcase, a Spanish hat and 25 Canadian dollars.”

He taught private skating lessons at a rate of $1 for 15 minutes in Schumacher, Ontario and paid $48 a month for bed, breakfast and a weekly bath. He went on to work for an exclusive private club in Winnipeg and was hired by the Canadian government to teach organized recreation to recreational directors. The King Louie Bowling Corp. approached him with a request to operate its new ice skating facility in Kansas City. He found it to be near bankruptcy — and found himself up for the challenge.

Business builder“This was my first challenge to save and build a business,” says Booker. “It turned out to be my career course.” He performed an impressive turnaround, introducing the ISI program, building a

hockey program from scratch, operating a snack bar/restaurant and large retail shop, and assisting in the management and pro-motion of a 32-lane bowling facility.

After six years, he left Kansas City to work for Ice Capades, where his initial task was to help develop its fledgling Ice Capades Chalet division, which had five rinks when he arrived. Over the

course of his tenure with the company, it had oper-ated more than two dozen facilities. Along the way Booker lived in Atlanta and Charlotte before being promoted to vice president of Ice Capades Chalets and relocating to Hollywood for 16 years. His last assign-ment with the company involved working with Donald Trump and the city of New York to refurbish and open Wollman Rink in Central Park.

While working in rink management, Booker at-tended night school and studied law, accounting,

marketing, retailing and business administration. He built a reputation on his successful record of business turnarounds and growth. When International Broadcasting acquired Ice Capades, the Harlem Globetrotters and three amusement parks, it became his job to operate the parks, concessions business, three ice shows, 20 facilities and the basketball team, and to bring them out of bankruptcy so they could be sold — which was accom-plished in 1993.

Next, Booker was named vice president of the largest bill-board company in country, followed by president and CEO of Guest Informant, the nation’s foremost visitor information company. From there he transitioned to Morven Partners, the world’s largest processor of nuts and related businesses.

Booker has since retired and lives primarily on the island of Mallorca, Spain, with a large garden, fruit and nut trees and two hunting dogs. He and his wife, Fiona, are active in local affairs; he is president of a large seniors group and does charity work. He also lectures on Russian history and art and the origins of stand-up comedy and collects 18th century porcelain and related art. The Bookers also have homes in Dallas and London.

Michael booker was a six-time british men’s figure skating champion in the 1950s .

Master of World-Class Performances, On and Off the Ice

Michael BookerMichael Bookerby dianne Powell


Industry insights, ISI involvementWith a five-decade perspective, Booker has witnessed significant changes in the ice skating industry. “Ice sports and competitions have become more athletic/acrobatic,” he notes. “I and others performed triple jumps in 1956; now it’s quads.

“A huge change is from amateurism to professionalism, where the stakes are very high and the earning power of professional skaters is almost limitless. Taking money in my time disqualified a skater from competitions,” Booker adds.

“The industry has changed with the advancement of technol-ogy and materials used in constructing, equipping and operating skating facilities, but the challenges remain the same: attracting customers and ensuring return patronage in a cost effective way, in an increasingly competitive and sophisticated market.”

Booker was introduced to ISI when former executive direc-tor Russell Perry invited him to be a speaker at the 1968 ISI conference in Chicago. “As an ice rink manager in Kansas City struggling to improve business, I developed a number of in-novative programs to draw in customers,” Booker says. “The conference was an eye-opening experience and the Kansas City facility became a member.”

Booker served as president of ISI from 1979 to 1985. Under his leadership, ISI launched its World Recreational Team Cham-pionships; the first male and female Freestyle 10 tests were passed; ISI’s first international recreational team appeared in Dubai; and the ISI Lifetime Achievement Award was estab-lished. The ISI Worlds team championship trophy is named in Booker’s honor.

In addition, he was named ISI Man of the Year in 1984, elected to the ISI Ice Skating Hall of Fame in 1991 and earned the ISI Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.

Booker says he is proud of having helped the Institute to regain financial stability after a difficult period in the late 1970s, and of the innovative and endur-ing programs initiated during his presidency. He also solicited $15,000 in seed money for the ISIA Education Foundation and was instrumental in revising the Institute’s bylaws.

As a long-time ISI proponent, Booker assesses the benefits of ISI membership as “creative independence, the sharing of in-formation and technology and the encouragement of aggressive pursuit of opportunity. For the recreational skater, ISI affords opportunities to excel and be recognized in ever-expanding pro-grams.”

Diane Wharton Paul, an ISI member and part-time skating coach at Tampa Bay Skating Academy, fondly remembers Booker as her skating coach, life coach, boss, friend, father figure and mentor. She was his student in Kansas City. “He was a champion skater and he knew how to make all of his students feel like cham-pions,” Paul says. “He embraced ISI when it was in its infancy and continued to preach about the benefits of recreational skating to coaches and rink operators. Anyone who sat in on one

of his presentations at an ISI con-ference or seminar benefited from his common sense approach to the business of ice skating.”

Aja Zanova, former two-time World skating champion and long-time Booker friend and colleague, describes him as a true English gentleman. The two met while training at an ice rink in England. Zanova later starred in the Ice Capades and Ice Follies during Booker’s tenure with that organi-zation, and they worked together at the Wollman Rink in New York.

“Michael is so talented, so intel-ligent and so much fun,” Zanova says. “He was a great skater, and he knows what to do with figure skating, how to produce it, how to present it, how to promote it and how to run it. We worked together for many years. He’s a good boss. He brings people in he knows can contribute, and that’s the key. He’s a fine friend.”

Donald Palmer, who served as senior vice president of two companies where Booker was president/CEO, says Booker’s lead-ership style is “provoking, challenging and rewarding. Friends like Michael are rare. He’s one of those people you simply like to be around. He has a talent for having a razor-like focus on an issue and tackling it very creatively. First and foremost, Michael

is a people person. Second, he made a point of enjoying what he was doing.”

Booker’s former student Paul says that much of what she does today is a direct result of his example. “When I started teaching at age 16, he told me to always point out something that was done correctly before

correcting mistakes,” she remembers. “I’ve used that example as a coach, parent and boss. Michael expressed confidence in me when I had no self-confidence. He pushed me when I needed to be pushed. Skating didn’t come easily to me, but because of his encouragement and leadership, I’m still on the ice 40 years later and still loving it.

“We all have opportunities every day to influence young people,” Paul adds. “It’s not just about learning to jump and spin and perform a good program. Ice skating is a learning experi-ence that teaches about life in general, and that’s what Michael understood. I hope that I can look back and know I impacted a life as much as he did mine.”

To catch the legend in action — off the ice — don’t miss the ISI 50th Anniversary President’s Reception and Celebration on Tuesday evening, May 26 in Orlando at the Hilton in the Walt Disney Resort.

today booker is retired and lives on the island of Mallorca, spain .

More reflections on a class act

Anyone who sat in on one of his presentations at an ISI confer-ence or seminar benefited from his common sense approach to the busi-ness of ice skating.

“

”— Diane Wharton Paul


Knows the Way toISI Worlds

SharkS Iceat San JoseSharKS Iceat San Jose

by dianne Powell

sharks ice at san Jose, the official training facility of the Nhl’s san Jose sharks, is a 188,000-square-foot arena on a 7 .5-acre campus .

Photography by Marjorie Taylor/Sharks Ice

The ISI World Recreational Team Championships is on its way back to San Jose this year, a decade after its last visit. Sharks Ice at San Jose, the two-time Worlds host site, is

well suited for world-class competitions, with its expansive 7.5-acre campus and four sheets of ice.

The facility, originally the two-sheet Ice Centre of San Jose, was built by the city of San Jose in conjunction with the nonprof-it Griffin Sports organization. In 1999, San Jose Arena Manage-ment (SJAM) assumed management of the city-owned facility and added 66,000 square feet, including a third ice rink and a weight room/training center for the NHL San Jose Sharks, who use the arena as their official training facility.

SJAM is a component of Silicon Valley Sports and Entertain-ment, owner of the San Jose Sharks. SJAM operates Sharks Ice at San Jose and Sharks Ice at Oakland, and owns and operates Sharks Ice at Fremont.

In 2001, Logitech purchased naming rights to the facility but opted out of the contract in 2005, when it was renamed Sharks Ice at San Jose. A fourth sheet of ice was added in 2005, along with a sports bar/restaurant. The search is on for a new, synergis-tic naming partnership, says Jon Gustafson, the general manager for all three of the Sharks Ice facilities.

One of nation’s busiest arenasToday, at 188,000 square feet, Sharks Ice at San Jose is one of the busiest ice arenas in the country. With four ice sheets, it is the largest ice skating facility west of the Mississippi River, and rinks five and six could become a reality in the near future.

A staff of 250 and an array of state-of-the-art amenities keep the facility running smoothly and the patrons comfortably and conveniently accommodated. Real-time scoring systems inter-face with score clocks and the arena’s Web site. High-efficien-cy fluorescent lighting allows for instantaneous lighting level changes in all four rinks.

In addition to the 24,000-square-foot Sharks training cen-ter, the facility features a workout/training room for customers. High-definition TVs throughout the facility provide assignment notification for the 17 dressing rooms.

Additional Sharks Ice amenities include a full-service pro shop, the popular Stanley’s Sports Bar and a snack bar/coffee shop.

Among the programs and services offered at Sharks Ice are: freestyle skating; youth, high school and adult hockey; ice dance; speed skating; curling, special needs classes; public ses-sions; and birthday parties. The arena’s skating school enrolls 1,600 participants per season, and more than 1,000 take part in


the youth hockey programs. Sharks Ice at San Jose boasts the nation’s largest adult hockey program.

Gustafson says Sharks Ice at San Jose has seen significant success in the last 10 years, including increased de-mand for ice time. “Even now, with the current economy, we are still seeing very good numbers,” he notes, thanks to “competitively priced programs; a safe, clean facility; comfortable surroundings; and providing something for everyone.”

San Jose’s demographics as the third-largest city in California and the 10th-largest in the U.S. plus the popularity of the Sharks hockey team contribute to the arena’s success. San Jose is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area, the heart of Silicon Valley. Income levels are high and a large portion of the population is well educated, tech savvy and recreation minded. Gustafson says the average Sharks Ice customer spends a mini-mum of 2.5 hours in the facility on each visit.

Having a proven, success-ful program, however, does not diminish the need for effective marketing. “With so many en-tities fighting for disposable income, you have to actively market your facility and its programs,” Gustafson points out. “We’re fortunate to have the mediums we have through the Sharks and team broad-casts to promote our programs via television, print, radio and the Internet.”

ISI membership and eventsAn ISI Administrative member since 1993, Sharks Ice at San Jose uses all aspects of the ISI program. “We believe ISI’s recreation-al skating program encourages participation at all levels,” says

the popular stanley’s sports bar is a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice .


Sharks Ice skating director and former ISI board member Candy Goodson. “Our facilities host four to six ISI-endorsed events per year, and we encourage all of our coaches to participate in and at-tend seminars and conferences provided by ISI.” Gustafson and Goodson are both familiar faces at the annual ISI Conference and Trade Show.

Goodson has chaired the Worlds host committee in both 1999 and 2009. “We have a much larger staff this time, and an operations manager,” she notes. “That will help me tremendously with building issues.”

Goodson says the support of the facility’s professional staff will enhance the experience of all the skaters, coaches and fami-lies who attend Worlds. “We’re working hard to make this event enjoyable for all. We have the unique ability to keep everything in one location, with all practice ice and events held on our four ice surfaces.”

In addition to Gustafson and Goodson, the Sharks Ice at San Jose management team includes: Richard Rocha, operations manager; Lynn Wolfe, office manager; Robert Savoie, hockey director; Ron Glasow, pro shop manager; and Marjorie Taylor, group sales.

“We love the excite-ment of hosting a large event,” she adds. ”It cre-ates purpose and cama-raderie — a real team spirit — for management, coaches, customers and local arenas. We’ve host-ed many major hockey tournaments, skating competitions and events, including the 2001 ISI Winter Classic, and we

Four Nhl-size ice sheets offer ample space for major skating and hockey events, isi programming and busy public sessions .

sharks ice at san Jose boasts the largest adult hockey pro-

gram in the country .

We love the excitement of hosting a large event. It creates purpose and camaraderie — a real team spirit.

“

” — Candy Goodson


were the practice facility for the 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Cham-pionships.”

To build enthusiasm for this year’s Worlds and prepare for the event, Goodson scheduled a “Worlds Fair” in April for lo-cal skaters, parents and volunteers. Coaches were available to answer questions and help fill out event entry forms, and they provided sign-up sheets for skaters seeking partners for couples, ensemble, jump and spin or group events.

“Our participation numbers for Worlds look really good, and the local facilities are really pushing it,” Goodson says. “Our coaches are extremely excited, and we have a lot of new coaches who are very enthusiastic about the event.

“It’s beneficial to all of the kids to be involved,” she says. “It adds so much to our program for all of the skaters to partici-pate. It completes everything we do. We offer classes for the very youngest skater and classes for the more mature skater, and for us to be able to get them involved in an event that has people coming from all over the world is a fabulous thing.”

An isi Administrative member since 1993, sharks ice at san Jose uses all aspects of the isi program and is the host facility for this year’s isi Worlds competition .

special needs classes are among the many diverse programs offered at sharks ice at san Jose .

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“Learning about new and innovative technologies has helped us decrease expenditures and become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.”

“iAIM is more than just an education — it’s a hands-on training experience that you can get nowhere else.”

“I came back to my facility with new information, a broader perspective and renewed confidence. I was very impressed with the caliber of instructors and the knowledge they brought to the classroom.”

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Now more than ever, ice arena professionals are discovering how an investment in iAIM training pays dividends many times over, through increased revenue, lower operating costs and a higher-quality customer experience.

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by randy WinshipISI Director of Skating Programs & Events

Coaches’Corner

We are pleased and excited to hear the positive “buzz” and comments from skaters, coaches and skating and competition directors across the

country regarding our recently announced Open Free-style tests and events. For all of the new test and event details, please refer to my article in the January/February EDGE magazine, or go to the ISI Web site (skateisi.org) where you can print them.

I’ve attended several district seminars over the past few weeks and have been asked the following questions about the new tests and events. As with any new pro-gram, the more information and clarification, the better.

1. Do all skaters participating in an Open Freestyle event have to take the new Open Freestyle tests?

No. All current ISI skaters who have passed any ISI Freestyle test automatically qualify for the Open Freestyle equivalent level. Those skaters do not need to take any additional test unless they wish to move up to a higher level.

All skaters who have not passed any ISI Freestyle test must take and pass the new Open Freestyle test before competing at that test level. If they are competing at the equivalent level, they only must take one test. If they are competing at a higher level, they must first pass the equivalent level test and then any addi-tional higher-level test(s).

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2. Can all Open Freestyle tests be judged

by only one current ISI Professional mem-

ber, and where do I get the test forms?

Yes. One purpose of these new equivalency tests is to make them easily accessible for everyone throughout the country. At this time, only one current ISI Professional member is required to judge each level of these new tests. All ISI test forms can be found on the ISI Web site.

3. Do the Open Freestyle competition

event programs have to include all the

required maneuvers for the Open Freestyle

test at that same level?

No. For the new Open Freestyle competition event programs, there are no required maneuvers. Skaters can do any maneu-vers from the levels listed below:

• Bronze Freestyle 3 and below • Silver Freestyle 5 and below • Gold Freestyle 6 and below • Platinum Any skating maneuvers

4. Can skaters who have only passed the

new Open Freestyle tests compete in Solo

Compulsory events?

Yes. Skaters only passing the Open Freestyle tests must com-pete in Solo Compulsory event levels at the following levels:

• Bronze - Freestyle 3• Silver - Freestyle 5• Gold - Freestyle 6• Platinum - Can choose any FS 7-10 Solo Compulsory level

Skaters who have also passed an ISI Freestyle test level will continue to compete in Solo Compulsory events at that same test level.

5. I’m a competition director offering the

new Open Freestyle events for the first

time. How do I divide the event groups?

The Open Freestyle entries must be kept in a separate Freestyle event group for the open categories, i.e., Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Within each category level, the event groups are divided by age and gender per current ISI Freestyle event group guidelines.

ISI Freestyle skaters can choose to compete, for example, in Freestyle 4 and the Silver event. They can use the same pro-gram for both events or they can have a different program for each event.

For Spotlight, Interpretive, Artistic, Rhythmic and Foot-work events, the competition director can choose to have separate event groups like “Spotlight FS2-3 10-12 Mixed” and “Spotlight Bronze 11-12 Mixed”; or those two event groups can be combined into one “Spotlight Bronze 10-12 Mixed” event group.

Remember, all ISI competition event groups may have no more than nine entries in each group.

6. What are the Judging Criteria for the

new Open Freestyle events?

• Judge 1 = Correctness / Choreography & Pattern / General Overall• Judge 2 = Variety of Moves / Posture / General Overall• Judge 3 = Music Interpretation / Presentation / General Overall / Duration

7. My skater’s Freestyle program dura-

tion is shorter than the new Open Free-

style event duration times — do I have to

re-cut the music?

No. Keep in mind that there is never any duration penalty for skating under the prescribed program time. Also, in the new Open Freestyle events, the judging criteria are different from the traditional Freestyle events, so “extra content” is not scored. Therefore, having a slightly shorter duration time will not affect the judging of the overall program quality.

Your skater can use their same traditional Freestyle pro-gram in the new Open Freestyle events, or you can create a different program for the new event entry.

8. Is there a new “Edge” competition

software version available?

Yes, we have a newly upgraded “Edge” version to include all of the 2009 Rule Revisions, the new Open Freestyle events and many other program improvements. Contact Jeff at the ISI of-fice to purchase your copy.

Watch for more updates and highlights in future ISI corre-spondence, including ISI eNews, delivered into your e-mailbox on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. If you are not receiving eNews, please add the following domains to your “safe” e-mail senders list: isinews.org, skateisi.org and skateisi.com.

Additional questions or information requests may be sentto randy@skateisi .org .


ISI Judge CertificationTests

GOLD Natasha BowersElizabeth CrawleyDina DominoKate DoscherChristina FieldDenise FlahertyLaura GaleskiGlen GuevarraJessica HarmanJenny Rose HendricksonChristopher HylandAlissa KitchenBecky KruegerErika KyddMaureen McGreevySarah O’HaverCaitlin PaulKaitlin RoweKatherine ShepherdSarah Sherman

SILVERAmy BedellElizabeth CrawleyDenise DarlingKate DoscherKelsey DrewelBrent EcholsLaura GaleskiGlen GuevarraKimberly HarkinsChristopher HylandAlissa KitchenJennifer KonenBecky KruegerErika KyddMaureen McGreevyWaleed MahasinJennifer MatthewsLaura NaughtKayla NeysPatricia Nogales

Nancy OwenKaitlin RoweAmanda SchreiberZachary ScottJeannie SelkerNicole StowersCasey SullivanGeremi Weiss HowardTera Zorn

BRONZEKelli AylmerAmy BedellErin BerlangaVictoria BetolattiLesley BissettJulie BrinskellePhilippe CarougeNatalie ComstockAmanda CottonLaura HarquailKathryn HebertAlice HoAshley HollyJoanie JunAlissa KitchenErika KyddRachel LandersSherra LilesMargaret MadarasMarie MaherJennifer MatthewsJacqueline MatsonLindsay MayAmanda Miller-GhostPat MillerAshley MoultonKayla NeysKristy OrmondJoan PodresNicole PopovichYaniritza QuirogaSean RabbittElizabeth Richardson

Laura RosenbergKaitlin RoweAmanda SchreiberZachary ScottAmanda SimmonsSherrilynn SledgeMissy SmithMichelle StrepkaWhitneyTattonNataliya TymoshenkoGeremi Weiss HowardLyndsay Wheeles

SYNCHRODina DominoBrent EcholsDenise FlahertyBarb FoltzLaura GaleskiKelsie GodarKaty HaydenCharity HendricksonMelissa HolzhueterAlissa KitchenRamona PetersonAmanda SchreiberMissy SmithJulie SolheimBrenda Steffensen

Congratulations to the following instructors who have recently passed ISI judge certification tests.

ISI Judge Certification Tests

PLEASE NOTE:After May 1, information and

questions on the judge certifi-

cation tests will be updated to

include details from the 2009 rule

revisions and new open Freestyle

events . currently certified instruc-

tors do not need to be “updated”

until the new 2010 Update test is

required, after sept . 1 .

ISI EDGE MARCH/APRIL 2009 29

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by lisa Fedick

The ISIA Education Foundation’s scholarship selection committee is hard at work, evaluating the applications of the talented scholar athletes who have applied for

the 2009-10 ISIA Education Foundation college scholarships. The content of applications is evaluated as follows: academic achievement, 25 percent; ISI involvement, 25 percent; work service, 20 percent; community involvement, 10 percent; and essay, 20 percent.

True to the recreational skater model, the Foundation is looking to reward young men and women who are well-round-ed and who have made a commitment to their education and their sport, as well as to their community.

We should all be encouraging our skaters to take advantage of this opportunity, available to all ISI Individual and Profes-sional members. Although the annual application deadline is March 1, skaters should be tracking and validating their volun-teer hours throughout the year and preparing for application at least a year in advance. ISI members who have already entered college are also encouraged to apply through their junior year.

For more scholarship information and all application ma-terials, go to www.skateisi.org and click on the Education Foundation tab. The 2009-10 scholarship recipients will be an-nounced in May during the ISI conference in Orlando.

The Foundation is still accepting auction items for our co-

sponsored event with FMC Ice Sports, which also will take place during conference week in Orlando, on Thursday, May 28. Why not add your name to the donor list of our industry’s elite? And don’t forget about the party! Live, tropical music provided by the Land Sharks and photos with the Stanley Cup — all poolside — how much better can it get? There’s only one way to get on the VIP list for this exclusive event: make a com-mitment to yourself and your career by attending conference.

The 2009 ISIA Education Foundation Benefit Show, set for Friday July 31, during the ISI World Champs in San Jose, Calif., promises to be one to remember. Although details on the inter-nationally acclaimed guest skater could not be released at press time, we must not forget the real stars of the show — the ISI skaters from your local arenas who are selected to participate based on their performances throughout competition week. What a great opportunity!

For information about the Benefit Show, contact the ISI office at (972) 735-8800. Questions about other Foundation events may be directed to Lisa Fedick at [email protected].

Please remember that the ISIA Education Foundation scholarship program is completely funded through the gener-osity of individuals and the support of our industry vendors and suppliers. In these very challenging economic times, please support our cause. Together we can make a difference!

You Can Help Make a Difference!


Association Reports

AMMA held its annual mini-conference March 24-25 at Shaker Heights Ice Arena in Shaker Heights, Ohio. We met on Tuesday evening in the Cleveland area for dinner and conversation to catch up on what is happening in our local arenas. Wednesday’s agenda started with our guest speakers from ISI, Peter Martell

and Randy Winship, who reported on a variety of pertinent industry and skating topics. We were thrilled to have Peter and Randy travel to Ohio!

Our afternoon speakers were from Becker Arena Products and Indoor Courts of America. Becker gave us a demonstration of their new IceTech8 ice measurement tool, and ICA shared information about low-e ceilings and lighting solutions.

Our day’s events concluded with our roundtable discussion on topics from how our season went to what is planned for the upcoming one.

Facilities wishing to join our association should contact me at [email protected].

We are all feeling the effects of the global economic downturn. I personally know more than 10 people who have, or will have, their jobs eliminated. This being said, I believe that MIAMA has a role to play in helping our superiors and industry peers help their funding agencies become more cost-effective.

What can you do? Be a voice for your community and remind your superiors just how important your facility is to the local economy. Talk to your staff and get suggestions for cost-saving measures. Pick the brains of your staff and perhaps even your customers. Often, your front-line personnel have valuable insights and ideas for improvement. They may have suggestions for ways to save money, improve customer service, increase visibility to the taxpayer, boost morale and bring real value and visibility to the operation. A few hundred dollars here and there quickly adds up.

If your position allows you to voice your opinions, do so respectfully. It’s OK to be a team player and still use your personal and professional values on cutting costs and increasing revenues. Try to encourage management to retain education and training line items in the budget. When you eliminate education and

training opportunities, you may give your staff the perception that personal/professional/team growth is no longer a priority.

The MIAMA board of directors has tried to assist with cutting costs by reducing the price of the education track at our 2009 fall conference. Look at ways to cut utility costs through energy audits, reducing water heater temps, reducing air temps in heated areas, using only fluorescent bulbs, turning off lights when not in use, placing vending and concession appliances on timers, etc.

Increased revenue may be achieved by generating more advertising and publicity, purchasing and maintaining your own vending machines, advertising reduced rates for non-prime hours and piggybacking with local vendors to promote area businesses.

Our industry provides a boost to the local economy by providing: good jobs; facilities that host major local and metro area events; added (real and quality of life) value to cities, counties and schools; safe areas where kids are able to grow their minds and bodies; and the pride and gratification that a quality, well-run facility offers our customers.

NOTES: Thanks to Todd Bissett and the MAC staff in St. Cloud for hosting the February MIAMA board meeting. This was the second time that Todd has invited industry personnel to view their new geothermal design. Innovation in technology and customer care is going to be more important than ever to the future of our industry.

Director Jeff Doucette reports that plans for the NEISMA 2009 Annual Spring Conference are nearly complete. The conference will be held May 4-6 at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore Center in Durham, N.H. on May 4-6.

We encourage representatives from other ice rink and ice skaters’ associations to attend our event for the opportunity to experience an outstanding industry conference and visit the beautiful state of New Hampshire — a double treat. Need more details? Visit neisma.com.

Emergency procedures in ice rinks is an ongoing topic on the NEISMA agenda. Director Jeff Rubin recently drafted a flip chart titled “Emergency Procedures Guide” for use by NEISMA members. This guide briefly covers evacuation, injuries, media relations, theft, vandalism, confrontations and bomb threats. A copy of the guide is available on request.

NEISMA has received a number of requests regarding alternative uses of ice rinks for additional revenue-raising purposes

North East Ice Skating Managers Association (NEISMA)by Tom Morton, President

Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association (MIAMA)by Joseph M. Balzer, President

Arena Managers of the Mid Atlantic (AMMA)by Trudy Ivory, Co-Director


• 13-week registration• Excess accident insurance coverage• Personal weSKATE identification card• Class rewards and incentives• Tot, Pre-Alpha and Alpha test registration• The opportunity to compete locally and

nationally up to the Alpha level

The ISI weSKATE Club is the best value for many beginning skaters this summer! Register your participants, and ISI will provide all the tools to keep them interested and coming back for more!

For only $4, each skater receives:

For more information, contact ISI at (972) 735-8800 or [email protected].

for Summer Skaters

— particularly during the off-season — such as curling, broomball, ice go-carts, weddings, birthday parties, etc. NEISMA has reminded facilities considering such activities that they must confirm that their existing insurance coverage covers such additional uses and that their insurance agreements do not have specific exclusionary provisions.

MIRMA continued its NHL tour with the 2009 spring managers’ meeting, which was hosted April 7 by the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The meeting agenda, “A Green Energy Symposium,” focused on energy-saving measures as well as a discussion of solar power as a viable option

for the ice arena industry. Rick Nadeau, New York Rangers’ director of fan development, gave a presentation on the team’s partnership initiative to grow hockey at the grassroots, intra-rink level. The Rangers provided lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of MSG. Special thanks to Kevin McCormack for making this very special day happen.

Floyd Hall Arena in Little Falls, N.J. hosted the sixth annual MIRMA ISI District 3 Skate for Knowledge Championships April 4-5. Special thanks to the FHA staff and volunteers for all of their support. The largest competitive field in the event’s history was highlighted by the first appearance of the Sacred Heart University Figure Skating Club team from Fairfield, Conn. This group of high-level U.S. Figure Skating-trained skaters said they never knew skating could be so much fun! The ISI recreational skating program is perfectly suited to the college club sports model, from beginners to gold medalists. The new Open Freestyle events make the crossover even easier.

In addition to the competition, on the evening of April 4, Floyd Hall Arena hosted a Benefit Ice Show for the MIRMA Skate for Knowledge scholarship fund. The show featured performances by such figure skating royalty as U.S. National Champions Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir.

Best wishes go out to Burt Sniffen, who, despite his battle with some health issues, still looks like a movie star.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the ISI 50th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show in Orlando this month! Please send questions and issues that you would like addressed at the ISI board meeting to me at [email protected] or visit skateMIRMA.org. Please speak up and help us help you!

District 3 members who have questions or comments for the ISI board may send them to me at [email protected] for presentation during the board meeting at conference in May.

Please send Association Reports to [email protected] two months prior to publication.

Metropolitan Ice RinkManagers Association (MIRMA)by Lisa Fedick, Secretary


MAY

1-3 sherwood orSherwood Ice ArenaSpring Classic

1-3 New York NYInt’l Gay Figure Skating UnionFabulous Cup 2009

2-3 Fairfax vAFairfax Ice Arena2009 Spring ISI Competition

2-3 Pasadena cAPasadena Ice Skating Center25th Annual ISI Open Competition

9-10 Yorba linda cAOrange County Ice Palace6th Annual ISI Open

16-17 Panorama city cAValley Ice CenterValley Ice Center Spring Open

16-17 richmond vARichmond Ice Zone2009 Spring Splash

16-17 duncanville tXDr Pepper StarCenter Duncanville2009 ISI District 11 Championships

23-24 san diego cASan Diego Ice ArenaSan Diego ISI Open Competition

23-24 bremerton WABremerton Ice Center3rd Annual Bremerton Open/ District 13 Champs

23-25 orlando Flrdv sportsplex ice denisi 50th Anniversary skating championships

JUNE

5-7 New York NYSky Rink @ Chelsea Piers23rd Annual ISI Team Competition

6-7 dale city vAPrince William Ice CenterBlades of Summer 2009

7 Fredericksburg vAFredericksburg Ice ParkThe Fredericksburg Trophy Classic

13-14 chicago ilMcFetridge Sports Center2009 School’s Out Competition

19-21 clearwater FlClearwater Ice Arena23rd Annual ISI Competition

JULY

9-11 honolulu hiIce Palace2009 ISI Hawaiian Open

11-12 Evanston ilRobert Crown Ice Center32nd Annual July Open

11-12 blaine MNSchwan Super RinkSummer Sizzle 2009

27-Aug . 1 san Jose, cAsharks ice at san Joseisi World recreational team championships

AUGUST

1 gurnee ilRink Side Family Entertainment CenterThe Summer Chiller

8 orland Park ilArctic Ice Arena3rd Annual Arctic Heat Wave

8-9 decatur AlPoint Mallard Ice Complex6th Annual Wind, Rain or Shine ISI Competition

SEPTEMBER

11-13 clearwater FlClearwater Ice ArenaDistrict 18 Championships

18-20 Arlington tXICE at the Parks6th Annual Open Competition

OCTOBER

2-4 lake Placid NYolympic centerisi Adult championships

24 simi valley cAIceoplex Simi Valley7th Annual ISI Open Competition

24-25 rockland MAWinterland Skating School23rd Annual Halloween Classic

NOVEMBER

6-8 Montgomery AlK Lynn Skating School1st Annual Competition

DECEMBER

4-6Fort Myers FlFort Myers skatiumisi Artistic challenge

MAY

1-2 downers grove ilDowners Grove Ice ArenaStars and Stripes

1-2 Minneapolis MNParade Figure Skating Club Instant Replay

1-2 blaine MNSchwan Super RinkThat ’70s Skating Show

1-3 glenview ilGlenview Ice Center36th Annual Ice Show

1-3 West dundee ilLeaf’s Ice CentreStarry Starry Ice

2 Marlboro MAFMC Ice Sports-MarlboroSummer Dance Party

2 simi valley cAIceoplex Simi ValleySpring Fling

cOMPeTITIONS

ISI-endorsed competitions & shows/exhibitionsDeadline for the next EDGE calendar: May 15For regular calendar updates, see www.skateisi.org, Event Info

CALENDAR


ShOWS & eXhIBITIONS


2 tacoma WASprinker Recreation CenterISI Camp Show Time: Hearts and Ice

2 Escondido cAIceoplex Escondido3rd Annual Spring Hop Recital

2-3 crestwood ilSouthwest Ice ArenaDisco Skates

2-3 cottage grove MNCity of Cottage Grove Ice ArenaLet’s Dance

2-3 birmingham MiCity of Birmingham Ice Sports ArenaIce Show

3 New York NYInt’l Gay Figure Skating UnionFabulous Cup 2009

3 roseville cASkatetownAn Evening of Skating Exhibitions

6-7 honolulu hiIce Palace Cirque du Glace

8-10 Northbrook ilNorthbrook Sports CenterNorthbrook-On-Ice 2009

8-10 bensenville ilThe Edge Ice ArenaWelcome to the Jungle

9 geneva ilThe Skate School LLC @ Fox ValleySkating Across America

9 Kenosha WiKenosha Ice RinkLet’s Dance Spring Show

9 West hartford ctVeterans Memorial Skating RinkWHFSC Spring Show

9 chelsea MiArctic ColiseumBroadway Musicals

14-18 skokie ilSkatiumLights, Camera, Action

15-16 indian trail NcExtreme Ice CenterAmerica on Ice

15-16 Peoria ilOwens Recreation CenterA Skate Down Main Street

15-17 Franklin Park ilFranklin Park Ice Arena2009 Spring Show

15-17 Niles ilNiles Park District IcelandBlades on Broadway

15-17 Wilmette ilCentennial Ice RinksLet the Good Times Roll

15-17 Evanston ilRobert Crown Ice CenterSkate by Numbers

15-17 st . Peters MoSt. Peters Rec-PlexDance Party!

15-17 Pleasant Prairie WiPleasant Prairie IcePlexColor My World

17 Nashville tNCentennial SportsplexSpring Show

17 irmo scPalmetto Skate ClubLife is a Highway

22-23 orland Park ilArctic Ice ArenaFrozen in Time: Back to the ’80s

30 Wasilla AKBrett Memorial Ice ArenaSuper Heroes & Their Scary Friends30 Frisco tXDr Pepper StarCenter FriscoSpring of Stars

JUNE

13-14 boxborough MANashoba Valley OlympiaIce Magic

22 Arlington tXICE at The ParksSummer Time

DECEMBER

7 luverne MNBlue Mound Ice ArenaWe’ll Skate, You Donate

18-19 simi valley cAIceoplex Simi ValleyLion Kings on Ice

19 Arlington tXICE at The ParksHoliday in The Parks

To ensure that you receive ISI elec-tronic correspondence, please add the following domains to your “safe” e-mail senders list: •isinews.org •skateisi.org •skateisi.com

Submit announcements for con-sideration in ISI eNews or other ISI publications to [email protected].

For information on advertising oppor-tunities in ISI print and electronic publications, contact Carol Jackson at [email protected] or (972) 735-8800.

ISI enews ISI enews delivered to your e-mail inbox on the first and third Wednesday of each month .


Don’t miss isi’s new e-newsletter,


isi dirEctor oF MEMbEr sErvicEs — Full-time position at ISI headquarters in Plano, Texas. Responsible for the development, promo-tion, delivery and supervision of all ISI member services. Must be ISI gold-certified judge with minimum five years’ experience managing a large, successful skating school and have a thorough understanding and ap-preciation of the ISI philosophy. Must also possess strong leadership, oral and written communication, general office and computer skills. Excellent compensation and benefits package. Send résumé and letter of interest to [email protected].

riNK PArtNErs WANtEd — Red Line Hockey Goaltending (www.redlinedc.com) seeks rink partners for clinics and camps. Small venues such as studio rinks are particularly appropriate. Please contact Bob De-Gemmis at [email protected] or (703) 244-1916 if interested. References available on request.

sKAtiNg iNstrUctors — Seeking qualified skating instructors to teach in busy group lesson program. Classes held most days of the week. Ideal candidates will also have experience conducting off-ice training. Please send résumé and cover letter to [email protected] or Wheaton Ice Arena, Attn: Skating Director, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902

UsEd blEAchEr sEAtiNg WANtEd — 500-1,000 seats de-sired. Please respond with price and location to [email protected].

Free Classified Advertising for ISI Members!ISI facility and professional members are entitled to FREE classified listings (excluding retail products and services) up to 50 words. Call Carol Jackson at (972) 735-8800, fax to (972) 735-8815 or send e-mail to [email protected]. Deadline for next issue of the EDGE: May 10.

Classified AdvertisingAdvertiser index

Arid Ice by CDIMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Becker Arena Products . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Cimco Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 FMC Ice Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

FrontLine Solutions Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Ice Rink Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Jet Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maximum Solutions Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Mondo USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Nafs Ice Paints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Professional Skaters Association . . . . . . . 36

Rice Specialty Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Riedell Skates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

RinkGuard/Willis Programs . . . . . . . . . . 5

RinkMusic Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

SP-Teri Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Super Glide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Valley Ice Skating Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Zamboni Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

By selecting a professional coaching member of the Professional Skaters Association {PSA}, you are securing the growth and happiness of your most treasured assets. PSA coaches are working hard to grow their knowledge by attending many of the PSA’s educational opportunities such as the International Conference, Nationwide Seminars, and State Workshops. Invest in your future by selecting a PSA coach!

w w w . s k a t e p s a . c o m

Invest in your future


By the time you read this, you likely will have heard about the agreement signed recently by the Ice Skating Institute and the Professional Skaters Association. The agreement

calls for the PSA to serve as the official coaches’ education, training and certification provider for the ISI and for the two organizations to work on developing a joint grievance and disciplinary policy for future adoption.

Under the agreement, ISI and PSA will coordinate specific curriculum and delivery options for ISI coaches’ education at ISI district seminars, weSKATE Instructor Training programs and the ISI Annual Conference. The PSA will also design a series of e-learning courses specifically for the ISI curriculum and recreational skating program.

It is important to note that all ISI district seminars will continue to be free of charge, and ISI Professional members will not need to be PSA members to participate in ISI educational opportunities organized or administered by the PSA.

Perhaps most important for PSA members is the provision to allow PSA-rated coaches to earn a maximum of 16 of the 28

credits required every three years to maintain their active rating by attending approved ISI education or training programs. This is a major step toward reducing the duplication of time and travel previously required for coaches to earn the required credits and

receive the valuable training and certification provided at ISI seminars. The ISI and PSA offices are already at work planning and coordinating seminars for next season.

But for the rest of us in the ice skating industry, perhaps the most important effect of this landmark agreement is the fact that the two oldest and most established organizations representing ice skating business professionals have come together to lead the way by combining their individual strengths and eliminating some of the duplication of time, effort and resources that continue to plague our sports and industry. It would be nice if this could serve as a springboard for further cooperation and collaboration between all of the industry organizations.

After all, our collective focus should be on increasing participation and improving retention. Instead, time, energy and resources are being wasted on developing and promoting redundant programs that only serve to clutter and confuse the marketplace and those it serves.

Helen Keller put it very simply when she said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Now Available!ISI Banners & Dasher Graphics

To order go to www.skateisi.orgBanners & Dashers

we can do so Much

TogetherAnd Another Thing...

Peter Martellisi Executive director


Nothing else is even close.

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The Zamboni® Model 552 electric remains the overwhelming choicefor professional, private & municipal ice rink operators throughout the world.

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ECO CHILL is an engineered solution to loweringenergy costs in your facility. Using Cimco’s 90years of expertise in the ice rink business, ECO CHILL collects and recycles the energy usedto maintain the ice surface, providing abun-dant heating for the building; and hotwater for showers, underfloor heating, iceresurfacing and snow melting, as well as air conditioning services.

ECO CHILL is modular in nature, allow-ing the designer to choose those com-

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